January 14, 2010

I grew up knowing a thing or two about farming--my uncles and grandfather own a good portion of land on which they've grown corn and hay and raised sheep, chickens, beef cows, and dairy cows. That said, although I've never seen a legitimate haystack, I don't think they look like this:

Nope, my family prefers the bale--round or square. I hefted my fair share of the those square suckers onto the wagon as the baler spit them out. Ah, fond memories. Fond memories of scratched forearms and dust-filled nasal cavities. Fond memories of accidentally stepping in cow patties (that's mounds o' manure, for the uninitiated) and wagons full of hay bales tipping over. Fond, fond memories.

But I digress! Although failing to resemble any harvest of hay that I've ever seen, this treat is delicious. Butterscotch morsels (to which I'm completely addicted even though they taste nothing like true butterscotch), peanut butter, marshmallows, and chow mein noodles. Easy, straightforward, quick, and scrumptious--almost too good to be true.

Line several trays with wax paper.Microwave the butterscotch morsels and peanut butter in a large bowl for one minute and stir. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Add the chow mein noodles and marshmallows and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Drop by haystack-shaped tablespoons onto the prepared trays. Store in a cool place or refrigerate until ready to serve.

When I first looked, I thought you may have been giving us a Rorschach test! I could swear I saw a hand in the first photo. A really fun treat for all ages. (I used to eat those chow mein noodles by the handful.)

Grace, your story of baling hay brings back many memories of my high school days ~ baling hay along the Savannah River during the summer. It was a great way to stay in shape and earn money at the same time.

This is a great recipe for that afternoon "need-a-treat" calling.... Thanks

My parents' horse just died (yesterday) and I doubt they'll get another one. Why? Because as a 2 person, 1 horse "farm" there is no one to help with the hay and my dad is getting too old. :( Ah, hay bales, why are you so heavy?

You are the queen of sweet and salty! I gotta admire you willingness to heft hay bales. Somehow I managed to avoid that job growing up though I've seen plenty of stacks and bales up close and personal. I agree the cookies don't look much like hay stacks but you gotta call them something. In any case they look delicious.